According to Punxsutawney Phil, there are six more weeks of winter, but for much of the country this has been one of the mildest winters on record. With several bouts of 50 and 60-degree days, people are delighted and Mother Nature is becoming confused. Being able to take afternoon walks in winter is a welcome surprise, but an early influx of pesky insects much less so.

Many insects hibernate during the cold winter months, but as this winter has been anything but typical, they may be emerging from their hiding places much earlier than we expect,² noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Several states have even reported tick sightings, which is especially worrisome as people head outdoors to enjoy the weather and are unprepared for tick encounters.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Cold weather is here and CenterPoint Energy encourages all natural gas customers to follow important safety tips to keep them safe from carbon monoxide poisoning as they stay warm.

Any fuel-burning equipment or appliance including wood stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, barbecue grills, furnaces, water heaters, boilers and ranges, has the potential to produce carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating.

When breathed, CO combines with the blood and prevents it from absorbing oxygen. Carbon monoxide can be produced by incomplete combustion, often the result of improperly adjusted or poorly-vented appliances. Annual check-ups of these appliances help ensure proper and safe operation of these types of appliances and equipment.

The groundhog has predicted six more weeks of winter. And although most are not complaining about a harsh winter now, a cold snap can bring insects that have made homes outdoors for the spring back indoors for warmth. Below is a list from Terminix, the nation’s leading pest control company, detailing the six pests to watch for in the next six weeks.

1.Bedbugs

· Bedbugs are a perennial pest. They are active all year long regardless of weather. They have a knack for being present during a time after increased travel. As many used the holidays to travel and not check for bedbugs upon their return, the pests have now had the time to create a colony on a bed or couch and wait for time when they can feed. If they are present in your home, seek the help of a pest control professional immediately.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Winter blew into the state with its typical chilly introduction, leaving many electric utility customers challenged with both staying warm and managing the costs that go with it.

Entergy wants to remind customers they have the power to save money and stay comfortable by following a few simple steps to help keep winter’s cold outside where it belongs while also helping keep energy costs more manageable.

“Heating a home can account for as much as half of the monthly energy bill,” said Oscar Washington, customer service manager for Entergy Arkansas, Inc. “Cold air can be an expensive, unwanted visitor, finding its way through many openings that often go unnoticed, such as wall seams, attic doors, and electrical outlets. Small spaces can add up to big energy losses.”

Although there are lots of things homeowners can do to protect themselves against cold weather, here are the top five energy savers:

This time of year is bustling with holiday travels and families are preparing to gather for the season.

The unfortunate reality is that some of our favorite things can lead to the spreading of bedbugs this holiday season. Intense travel, like that during the holidays, allows the pests to spread from one location to another.

Although they are found in beds, many neglect to think of other places bedbugs can be found. Sitting on a plane or in the seats waiting at your terminal before boarding can be a prime time for bedbugs to latch on from the previous sitter. They won’t begin biting until you’re settled such as on the long flight or once you’ve reached your bed that night (whether it be at home, a hotel or family’s house).

Many families take in a holiday movie. Unfortunately movie theaters have become a place where bedbugs spread as well. Even a stack of coats at holiday parties can spread bedbugs.